Accord today demonstrated the strength of their support for former veterans or current reservists of the Armed Forces by signing the Armed Forces covenant.

A special ceremony was held at Accord offices in West Bromwich on Thursday 14 December 2017 to officially sign the covenant, an event facilitated by the West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association Employer Engagement Team.

Wing Commander Paul Bell signed on behalf of the Armed Forces, adding his signature of to that of Dr. Chris Handy, Chief Executive of Accord, and Elisabeth Buggins, Chair of Accord. Also present to see this ground-breaking signing were Accord colleagues who have either served in the Armed Forces or who are reservists, as well as the West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street.

Chris Handy said:

“Accord is proud to stand behind the covenant as we have for many years supported serving members of the armed forces and those who have transitioned back into civilian life by housing former services personnel in our housing stock – where we have many properties located in communities close to operational bases and barracks. We have also long recognised that transitioning from the armed forces back to civilian life can be challenging, and so, through our Care & Support services, we have established a scheme for veterans that have faced difficulties on leaving the armed forces.”

The signing of the Armed Forces Covenant essentially means that Accord has agreed a set of pledges going forward to support the Armed Forces community, and they have also added their own commitments which include the provision of housing and resettlement advice; access to Accord’s specialist care & support services and developing career opportunities for those personnel leaving the forces.

The Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, said:

“Accord’s decision to sign the covenant is a visible and very real demonstration of the region’s continuing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces - both its serving and former personnel. What Accord is doing by pledging to offer housing, support services and employment opportunities, will contribute greatly to the all-round wellbeing of our veteran Armed Forces. I absolutely commend their pledge.”

Elisabeth Buggins, Chair of Accord said,

“I am delighted to add that in the week that we sign this important covenant, Accord’s commitment has already been recognised through the presentation of the Bronze Award under the Employer Recognition Scheme.”

“We are delighted that Accord have decided to demonstrate their commitment to the Armed Forces by signing the Armed Forces Covenant and supporting those who serve and their families. We are also very excited at the prospect of working collaboratively with Accord to grow our relationship and bring the pledges of the Covenant to life”.